BRITONS TO SWAP GREY SKIES FOR GREENER PROSPECTS

BRITONS TO SWAP GREY SKIES FOR GREENER PROSPECTS

The temptation for workers to leave the UK for pastures new is stronger than ever according to latest research from Aviva.

The study of 1,000 consumers aged 18 – 45 indicates that our current culture of austerity has spurred  many to consider a move overseas with over half (54%)1 of respondents now saying they would contemplate doing so .

Last year Aviva UK Health revealed that over 5.5 million2 people were considering mid-term breaks abroad. However this year’s findings show that many believe there could be better long-term prospects outside the UK. A staggering 46% of people are considering a permanent move compared to last year’s 39%. One in five (21%) people remain more cautious and would only be prepared to go for between one and three years.

There is no doubt that the UK economy is playing a role in this trend.  Nine out of ten (89%) respondents believe the last three years has seen a decline in the UK job market, with a further 54% admitting the government cuts have adversely affected their lifestyle. Over half (54%) of people claim this is a key trigger to them considering a move abroad.

The long winter has also taken its toll, with 45% motivated to move abroad by the promise of a better climate.  A further 31% believe a healthier, less stressful and more varied lifestyle awaits them, while 33% are hoping for a better quality of work/life balance.

When asked about their concerns, a quarter (25%) were worried they might have worse benefits abroad. And, 37% think they would have less state funded privileges.

Health still appears to be a key concern for people considering a move abroad. Just over a third say the NHS is one of the things they would miss the most. This is compared to a quarter (25%) saying the same last year.  Almost a half (46%) of respondents think the UK has better health benefits than other countries worldwide.

This prompted six in 10 (59%) to say that they would factor heath insurance into their planning.  By contrast, 38% of people would not arrange any sort of health insurance before they moved.

Teresa Rogers, business lead for International PMI at Aviva said:

“When times are tough, it might seem natural to set one’s sights on moving abroad. But our survey shows that there are certainly pros and cons to moving and people need to plan carefully if they are considering making their dream a reality. Health is clearly a primary concern for people and whether you’re thinking of moving abroad for a short time or on a more permanent basis you need to take care to ensure you and your family are always properly protected

“Healthcare provision varies greatly around the world and even routine medical care can prove costly in countries that don’t offer a similar service to the NHS.  Although it’s very encouraging that over half of the people we spoke to would consider taking out international health insurance, over a third (39%) would sort their health insurance out only once they’ve arrived.  This could leave them in a difficult position should the worst happen. ”

Aviva’s research reveals that the same five countries identified in its 2010 study still remain the re-location destinations of choice:

Australia

America

Canada

Spain

New Zealand

Other popular destinations include; France, Italy, Dubai, Switzerland and Germany.